How to Start an After-School Gaming Club in Your Private High School
Starting an after-school gaming club in a private high school can be a fulfilling endeavor that fosters creativity, problem-solving skills, and social interaction among students. Whether you're a teacher, administrator, or enthusiastic parent, this guide will walk you through the process step-by-step to ensure your club is a success.
1. Understanding the Benefits of a Gaming Club
Before diving into the logistics, it's essential to understand why a gaming club is a valuable addition to your school. Tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) like Dungeon Crawl Classics (DCC) offer a myriad of educational benefits.
1.1 Cognitive Development
Problem-Solving: Players must think critically to overcome in-game challenges.
Creativity: Role-playing encourages imagination and creative storytelling.
Math Skills: Many games require quick mental calculations, enhancing arithmetic skills.
1.2 Social Skills
Teamwork: Players work together to achieve common goals.
Communication: Effective communication is key to success in role-playing games.
Conflict Resolution: Players learn to navigate and resolve disputes within a safe, controlled environment.
1.3 Emotional Growth
Empathy: Taking on different roles helps students understand various perspectives.
Self-Esteem: Achieving goals in-game can boost confidence in real life.
For further reading on the benefits of tabletop gaming in education, consider this article from Edutopia. While the article discusses Dungeons & Dragons, the principles apply equally well to Dungeon Crawl Classics.
2. Gaining Approval from School Administration
To ensure your club’s success, it’s crucial to gain the support of school administrators. Here's how to approach this task effectively:
2.1 Prepare a Proposal
Create a detailed proposal that outlines the club’s goals, benefits, and logistics. Include:
Objective: Clearly state the club’s purpose and how it aligns with the school’s educational goals.
Benefits: Highlight the educational and social benefits mentioned in Section 1.
Schedule: Propose meeting times, considering other after-school activities.
Resources: List the materials needed (e.g., game books, dice, tables).
Supervision: Identify who will supervise the club (e.g., teacher, parent volunteer).
2.2 Presenting the Proposal
Formal Meeting: Schedule a meeting with the principal or relevant administrator.
Visual Aids: Use visuals, such as slides or handouts, to emphasize key points.
Q&A: Be prepared to answer questions about the club's activities and potential concerns.
2.3 Addressing Potential Concerns
Time Management: Explain how the club will not interfere with academic responsibilities.
Content Sensitivity: Reassure the administration that the club will adhere to school values and avoid controversial content.
3. Recruiting Students
Once you have administrative approval, the next step is to recruit students.
3.1 Marketing Your Club
Posters and Flyers: Create eye-catching posters and place them in common areas.
Morning Announcements: Have a short announcement read during homeroom.
Social Media: Utilize the school’s social media platforms to promote the club.
3.2 Hosting an Interest Meeting
Presentation: Give a brief presentation on what the club will entail.
Sample Game: Run a short, introductory game session to showcase the fun.
Sign-Up Sheet: Collect names and contact information for interested students.
3.3 Inclusivity and Diversity
Welcoming Environment: Make it clear that the club is open to all students, regardless of prior experience.
Diverse Content: Offer a variety of games that appeal to different interests (e.g., fantasy, sci-fi, mystery).
4. Gathering Resources
Equipping your gaming club with the right materials is essential for its operation. In the example below, we suggest using our favorite fantasy RPG system, Dungeon Crawl Classics.
4.1 Core Materials
Rulebooks: Start with the core rulebooks for Dungeon Crawl Classics.
Dice Sets: Invest in several sets of polyhedral dice, especially the quirky ones like d24s and d30s that DCC is known for.
Character Sheets: Print out character sheets or use online resources like Goodman Games’ free downloads.
Miniatures and Maps: Consider purchasing or making miniatures and maps for visual aids.
4.2 Budgeting and Fundraising
School Budget: Request a small budget from the school for initial supplies.
Fundraisers: Host bake sales or other events to raise additional funds.
Donations: Ask local businesses or parents for donations of materials.
4.3 Online Resources
Digital Tools: Use digital tools like Roll20 for virtual game sessions.
Community Forums: Engage with online communities such as Goodman Games' forums for advice and resources.
5. Setting Up the First Game Session
Your first game session will set the tone for the club’s future. Careful planning is key.
5.1 Game Selection
Player Interests: Choose a game that matches the interests and experience levels of your players.
Complexity: Start with simpler adventures or even a “funnel” session where players run multiple zero-level characters.
5.2 Preparing the Game Master (GM)
Experienced GM: If possible, have an experienced GM run the first session.
Guidance: Provide resources and support for new GMs, including guides and GM screens.
5.3 Session Zero
Introductions: Begin with a “Session Zero” to introduce players to the game mechanics and setting.
Character Creation: Help players create their characters, explaining their roles and abilities.
Rules Overview: Go over the basic rules, focusing on what players need to know to get started.
6. Ensuring a Positive and Inclusive Environment
A successful gaming club should be a welcoming and inclusive space for all students.
6.1 Establishing Ground Rules
Respect: Emphasize respect for all players, both in and out of character.
Safety Tools: Introduce safety tools like the X-Card to ensure everyone feels comfortable.
Inclusivity: Encourage inclusive storytelling and discourage harmful stereotypes.
6.2 Conflict Resolution
Mediation: Train the GM and club leaders in basic conflict resolution skills.
Open Communication: Foster an environment where players feel comfortable voicing concerns.
7. Expanding and Sustaining the Club
After your club is up and running, consider ways to keep it thriving.
7.1 Club Events
Tournaments: Organize tournaments or special one-shot sessions.
Guest Speakers: Invite game designers or authors to speak to the club.
Field Trips: Plan visits to local game stores or conventions.
7.2 Student Leadership
Officers: Elect student officers to help run the club.
Peer Mentoring: Encourage experienced players to mentor newcomers.
7.3 Long-Term Sustainability
Documenting: Keep records of club activities and materials for future reference.
Succession Planning: Train new leaders as older students graduate.
8. Measuring Success
Finally, assess the success of your gaming club and make improvements as needed.
8.1 Feedback
Surveys: Conduct regular surveys to gather feedback from members.
Open Discussions: Hold periodic meetings to discuss what’s working and what isn’t.
8.2 Celebrating Achievements
Showcase: Share the club’s achievements with the school community.
Awards: Create awards for outstanding role-play, creativity, or teamwork.
8.3 Continuous Improvement
Adaptability: Be open to changing the club’s format or rules based on feedback.
New Games: Introduce new games periodically to keep things fresh and exciting.
Conclusion
Starting an after-school gaming club at a private high school is a rewarding initiative that offers immense educational and social benefits. With careful planning, a focus on inclusivity, and a commitment to continuous improvement, your club can become a cherished part of the school community.
By following this guide, you’ll be well on your way to creating a thriving gaming club that enriches the lives of students for years to come. If you're looking for additional resources, check out this comprehensive guide on starting school clubs from ASCD.
Resources and References
Witch Pleas Publishing Official Site: Your source for deep discounts for educators, librarians and teachers on education-oriented tabletop roleplaying games.
DriveThruRPG: A comprehensive resource for RPG rulebooks and materials.
Education Week: Articles on the educational benefits of roleplaying games.
DriveThruRPG: Offers a vast selection of RPG rulebooks and supplements.
The Roleplaying Game Guide: A comprehensive guide to different RPG systems and game masters’ advice.
Tabletop Gaming Magazine: Offers reviews, guides, and news on the latest tabletop RPGs.
